C-TAC Applauds the Introduction of the Bipartisan Independence at Home Act of 2016

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- C-TAC is pleased to support today's introduction by Senators Ed Markey (D-MA), John Cornyn (R-TX), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Rob Portman (R-OH) of the Independence at Home Act of 2016 – bipartisan legislation that will ensure that chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries – including those with advanced illness – receive high-quality, person-centered care in the home setting.  C-TAC applauds the authors of this important legislation and looks forward to working collaboratively to ensure its passage. 

"As a participant in the Independence at Home demonstration program, I am thrilled to see this legislation introduced.   It is a critical step in ensuring the highest quality of care for those living with advanced illness.  But our work is not done," said Eric De Jonge, M.D., President-Elect of the American Academy of Home Care Medicine.  "To make this a nationwide program we will need the continued support of groups like C-TAC and others." 

Specifically, the legislation would expand and scale the Independence at Home (IAH) demonstration program that has shown tremendous success at providing home based primary care to chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries.  IAH requires primary care providers to provide care in the home setting, 24/7, and to meet specific quality measures, including providing advance care planning.  In addition, the program has potential to ensure greater sustainability of the Medicare program.  In its first year, IAH showed savings of $3,070 per beneficiary, saved the participating practices over $25 million, and provided the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with $13 million in savings.

"C-TAC strongly believes that all individuals should have access to high-quality, person-centered care no matter what stage of health or illness they may be in," said Bill Novelli, Co-Chair of C-TAC.  "C-TAC applauds the Independence at Home Act of 2016, as it will allow individuals with multiple chronic illnesses to receive care where many feel most comfortable, in the home.  Independence at Home addresses a critical need in the care continuum and C-TAC is pleased to be a part of the movement to expand the program."   

C-TAC thanks Senators Markey, Cornyn, Bennet, and Portman for the introduction of this critical legislation and looks forward to continuing its work with policymakers and stakeholders alike in order to ensure that all individuals with advanced illness receive high-quality, comprehensive, and person-centered care that values their goals and honors their wishes.

About C-TAC

The Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC) is a national non-profit, non-partisan alliance of patient and consumer advocacy groups, health care professional and providers, private sector stakeholders, faith-based organizations, and health care payers committed to the vision that all Americans with advanced illness, especially the sickest and most vulnerable, will receive comprehensive, high quality, person-and-family-centered care that is consistent with their goals and values and honors their dignity. For more information about C-TAC, visit TheCTAC.org

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SOURCE Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC)